John Richard KOSTEK

KOSTEK - John Richard
Age 92, April 21, 2020, of West Seneca, NY, beloved husband of late Elizabeth "Betty" (nee Jern); loving father of David (Jacquelyn), Robert (Susan), Philip (Nancy), Jeffrey (Susan), Joan (Robert), and Paul (Linda) Kostek; grandfather of Corie, Robert, Laura, Erik, Christopher, Michelle, Kimberly, Natalie, Katherine, Amanda, Michael, Sarah and Kellie; also survived by 17 great-grandchildren and nieces and nephews; brother of the late Margaret Rutkowski, late Stephen (Marion), Irene (Bud) Kelley, late Dorothy (late Bernie) Bernal, late Frank (Marie), Ed (Nancy), Joe (Marg), Bill (late Toni), Mary (Brian) Moore. John was born on January 7, 1928 in Buffalo, NY to John and Margaret Kostek. He married Betty on October 29, 1949. He knew he wanted to be with her after she pushed him in a snow bank when they were kids. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was an honored WWII U.S. Navy Veteran. After WWII ended, he was part of the occupying force in Bremerhaven, Germany. He was the humble recipient of the World War II Victory, Navy Occupation (Europe), and Good Conduct medals. John was a very proud patriot and passed on his nation's devotion to his children. He even kept great care of his navy dress shoes and wore them to every special family event, including to his grandson Bobby's naval graduation ceremony, where all of the officers took pride. After his military service, he started at Nickel Plate railroad in 1949 and was employed for 41 years until his retirement from Norfolk Southern railroad in 1990. John and Betty sacrificed so that their children could go to college and pursue their dreams. He was a devout member of his Catholic faith. A special thank you to Brother Felipe Martinez for his compassion to the family at the end. He enjoyed going to the Erie County Fair, Crystal Beach, Chestnut Ridge and Allegheny State Parks with his family, and was an avid Buffalo Bills and Sabres fan. He also loved his dog Brutus. Just being with family was his favorite thing to do. Due to COVID-19, there will no calling hours. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. Entombment in Sacred Heart Mausoleum at Holy Cross Cemetery. Arrangements by SIECK, MAST & LESLIE FUNERAL HOME 825-5205. Online condolences at sieckandmastfuneralhome.com